Embrace the Chilly Season

Sunday, December 1, 2013 2:00 AM

Embrace the chilly season with outdoor recreation in the Valley. Article featured in December First Choice Magazine

Embrace the chilly season with outdoor recreation in the Valley. Whether you are an experienced skier or snowboarder or just starting out - Roundtop Mountain Resort has something to offer everyone this winter. For a more leisurely outdoor activity enjoy cross-country skiing at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Colonel Denning State Park. Doubling Gap Lake at Colonel Denning also offers ice-skating.

If outdoor adventure sounds too chilly, enjoy a relaxing afternoon or dinner tucked away in one of the Valley's charming restaurants. With hometown favorites and exotic new cuisines, you're sure to find something flavorful! Visit the Restaurants page on www.VisitCumberlandValley.com to search by cuisine type or location.

Prepare to ring in the New Year in Cumberland Valley with one of these unique and local celebrations. Enjoy the family-friendly First Night Carlisle for a non-alcoholic celebration of the arts held on New Year's Eve on the streets of downtown Carlisle. Head to Mechanicsburg for the annual Wrench Drop and celebrate with music, food and fun. The town of Shippensburg welcomes the New Year with an Anchor Drop in the downtown area.

Get in the seasonal spirit with a festive event in Cumberland Valley. Here's just a sampling.

Art for the Holidays! @ Carlisle Arts Learning Center - Through January 4th
An opportunity to "give local" and to support independent designers and artists in the area. Join CALC for their holiday open house on December 1st from 1pm - 5pm with free gift wrap and treats.

When Santa Met Sally @ Allenberry Playhouse - Through December 22nd
Ever wonder how Mrs. Claus became Mrs. Claus? Or for that matter, how Santa became Santa? Join Allenberry to learn the true tale of how Santa and Mrs. Claus met and fell in love.

Holiday Exhibit: All Aboard @ Cumberland County Historical Society - December 6th-January 4th
Come in to the museum for the magic of toy trains and tracks in the historical society's holiday exhibit.

George Balanchine's The Nutcracker @ Whitaker Center - December 14th & 15th
George Balanchine's The Nutcracker has all the makings of a great family experience: traditions, dreams and the gift of generosity. The Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, out of Carlisle, brings the beloved holiday classic home to the intimate Whitaker Center on December 14th and 15th.

Tony Orlando's Great American Christmas @ The Luhrs Center - December 17th
No entertainer can move and excite an audience like Tony Orlando. One of the America's most endearing and enduring stars, Orlando is celebrating more than 50 years in show business. His "Great American Christmas" show offers a wide range of this greatest hits and holiday classics as only the smooth vocals of Orlando can deliver.

Elegant Candlelit Evening Tea @ The Rosemary House - December 30th
Enjoy a relaxing night out with your friends and loved ones at this special holiday event. This would make a great Christmas gift! Don't delay in making your reservations for this very special evening. It always fills quickly!

For more event information and collections of things to see and do visit www.VisitCumberlandValley.com or stop by the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center, 33 W. High St., Carlisle, inside History on High - The Shop.